The Word on Weightloss

Are you looking for a way to lose weight without dieting? Consider making a simple switch: change from white flour to wheat flour.

Flour is the base for a multitude of our foods, including breads, cakes, doughnuts, pastas, and pancakes. While white flour versions of these foods frequently cause weight gain, whole wheat versions are a normal part of a healthy diet. What makes this difference between white flour and wheat flour?

What’s the Difference?

White flour and wheat flour are both made from wheat, contrary to what their names initially suggest. White flour is refined wheat flour.

A wheat kernel, the source of both white flour and whole wheat flour, contains several layers. The outer layer, the bran, consists of insoluble fiber. The middle layer, the endosperm, makes up about 80% of the kernel. The inner layer, the germ, is the part that would grow if planted.

Wheat flour, better termed whole wheat flour, is made by grinding the entire kernel, including the bran and the germ. White flour, on the other hand, is made using only the endosperm. The bran and germ are stripped from the kernel previous to the grinding. Furthermore, white flour is often bleached after it has been ground. Synthetic vitamins and minerals are then added to replace the nutrients removed in the stripping and bleaching process.

Why is Whole Wheat Flour Better?

Unlike whole wheat flour, white flour, in the process of being refined, loses over half its vitamin B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron, calcium, and fiber. Although white flour is usually enriched with synthetic vitamins and minerals, these do not fully replace the natural ones found in whole wheat flour. If you’re looking for a healthy diet choose whole wheat flour.

Not only is whole wheat flour more nutritious than white flour, it is also an excellent way to lose weight without dieting. Studies have shown that those who eat whole wheat flour are significantly less likely to gain weight than those who eat refined flour.

How Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?

Whole wheat flour is easy to use. It has a stronger taste than white flour, but most people enjoy its hearty, healthy flavor.

• Look for whole wheat products such as pastas, bagels, muffins, and breads when you are shopping.
• You can also make some of your old favorite recipes healthier by replacing some or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour. It’s worth the effort, and it tastes delicious.
• For an excellent nutritious recipe using whole wheat flour, try this: Whole Wheat Sandwich Loaf.